![]() Illuminations represents the first time Groban has co-written the majority of an album, and on this evidence, the singer-songwriter mantle is an ill fit. From the wistful ruminations of Bells of New York City to Hidden Away’s romantic bombast, Groban's throat bends from baritone to tenor without any signs of strain, maintaining its caramel richness throughout.īut while the stripping-back process rightly shines a spotlight on Groban's powerhouse voice, it also mercilessly exposes his lack of songwriting experience. Although nine years have passed since the LA-born singer's eponymous debut, his voice still emanates power tempered by impeccable control. As expected, Groban's vocals have been pushed to the very forefront of the tracks, where his magnificent tone and supple range can truly shine. ![]() If this was the objective on Illuminations, the duo has achieved somewhat mixed results. Rubin taking the production reins of Groban's latest album, Illuminations, could be seen either as evidence of a young artist's yearning for serious credibility, or as more proof of a veteran producer's penchant for the eccentric.Īfter his production work for the likes of the Beastie Boys, Slayer and especially Johnny Cash, Rubin has earned a reputation for stripping back layers to expose his artists' core appeal. For UK listeners, Groban, whose multi-platinum US success has not quite translated on this side of the Atlantic, will be equally renowned for his instantly likeable guest appearance on Never Mind the Buzzcocks as his full-throated 2003 version of weepy anthem You Raise Me Up. ![]() ![]() Of all pop’s odd couples, the recent partnership of renegade producer/Def Jam founder Rick Rubin and sprightly classico-pop vocalist Josh Groban might go down as one of the strangest. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |